
Wasting The Wabash 



Wasting The Wabash 

by 

Charles Timothy Jewett 

of the Terre Haute Daily Star 




Printed by authority of the 

Board of School Trustees 
Terre Haute, Indiana 



Press of The Vocational School for Men and Boys 

705 Lafayette Avenue, Terre Haute, Indiana 

December 22, 1916 



Copyright, 1916 

by 

CHARLES TIMOTHY JEWETT 




A453522 



JAN -4 1917 





:^^^te<3 U-v-i.a.^^tri>U^ 




WASTING THE WABASH 

rfTttt'OST of us have a more or less definite idea of the Wabash River. 
2HII We are pretty weH satisfied that it is a considerable stream 
which comes from somewhere in Ohio and traverses the pro- 
ductive and intellectual section of Indiana. Its length and physical 
condition do not concern us. We merely accept the fact that it exists 
for convenience in determining certain boundaries, providing suita- 
ble sites for ambitious cities and villages, presenting puzzling prob- 
lems for solemn state and county officials, who must decide about 
bridges and levees. 

Further we might be reminded that it is an exellent excuse for the 
chronic angler and provides a livlihood for mussel diggers and frequent- 
ly gets public attention through periodic floods, ice gorges and low 
stages. 

It is a stream of extremes. Sometimes a river frequenter finds a 
pearl for which he refuses two or three thousand dollars and later 
swaps the bauble for some delicate trinket or leaves it with friend 
publican to establish further credit for bait. 

Now that we are really interested and persuaded of our lack of in- 
formation we will refer to our Britannica. Search through one big vol- 
ume will reveal this: — 

WABASH (river) see Indiana, vol ; page . 

Reference to another volume wiH give the illuminating informaton 
that Indiana is a well watered state as a result of being in contact with 
Lake Michigan and furnishing scenery for the banks of numerous 
rivers. We are advised that the largest of these is the Wabash, which 
flows across the state from North-east to South-west. Some of the 
other rivers are named. Anyway the Wabash is given special mention. 

Of course it is a matter of little note that these Britannica devote 
large attention to hundreds of insignificent streams just because some 
pagan bandit waded their waters. 

But such discussion and investigation is wasting time. We are to 
consider Wasting the Wabash. This may be viewed from many angles 
or bends. Historically the river has a permanent place. Commer- 
cially and industrially it is a big asset. There is along its banks and in 
its tremenduous flow or rippling rapids inspiration for the artist or 
poet. 



History tells of discovery and exploration of many rivers— the 
Mississippi, the Hudson, the River of Doubt. But the Wabash! Well, 
apparently it was here before it was discovered. The Indian just 
accepted it as a fact, as we must. The French traders worried about 
leaving information of the discovery of the Kankakee, the LaSalle 
and other small streams. They boated up and down the Wabash 
before the Kaskaskia was known but it was not necessary to advise 
the Red Men of the Wabash. 

Even Indian traditions apparently gave only incidental attention 
to the Wabash. The Red Men knew it as a big river and their 
ancestors had watched the seasons to avoid overflows which also 
were considered necessary and to be expected each spring. None 
could recall when time and distance were not measured from the 
stream we now know as the Wabash. 

For generations the bluffs along the stream had been agreed as 
the proper places for their council fires. The mighty timber was 
their best hunting ground and the fertile prairies that streched back 
from the bluffs grew their maize. It was not necessary to mark with 
mounds of earth the location of the stream that v/atered the roots of 
the stately sycamore sentinels.* 

The Wabash actually played a big part in the pacification of the Red 
Men of the Northwest Territory. General Harrison found the river 
convenient in boating supphes while moving his army from Vincennes 
to Tippecanoe. The trip that then occupied more than three months 
now is a good day's motor drive. So what is the use of boats for haul- 
ing equipment or supplies. t 

Our most highly prized heirlooms were brought to Terre Haute in 
its early days on flat boats by way of the Wabash. It is a certificate of 
genuineness to show antiques that survived the strong armed rousta- 
bouts of Wabash river craft when the stream was the chief channel of 
commerce of early Indiana. But the Wabash no longer can compete 
wath trolley hues and trans-continental railways.! 

Yet there are some who would insist that the \Vabash still is a 
navigable stream and that the federal government should clear the 
channel and do something to restore the commercial prestige of 

*The earliest French name given the river was Ouabache, which was the way the 
traders caught the pronunciation of the Indians. The French later called it the 
Blanch river, and the English called it White river. Finally early Ameriaan set- 
tlers restored the Indian name and gave the English spelling of Wabash. 

tGaneral Harrison and his army lest Vincennes Sept. 28, 1811. Began erection of 
Fort Harrison Oct. 3, and completed it Oct. 28. Next day the army proceeded north, 
using the river to transdort supplies. Battle of Tippecanoe Nov. 7, 1811. 

tFirst recorded boating on the V/abash, aside from Indian birch canoes, was in 
1757 when a French and Indian army recruited in Illinois, boated up the Ohio and 
Wabash on the way to Quebec. The first published mention of commercial naviga- 
tion was the arrival in Terre Haute in 1822, of the Florence, a small steamer. The 
Plow Boy came in 1823, and there was considerable rivec traffic until railroads 
were built. 

8 



INDIANA -- 1811 




Map showing the extent of the Wabash river— that it rises in Ohio, North-east of old 
Fort Recovery. Indian treaties are also shown. 



the river. Wabash river improvement booster meetings were popu- 
lar between Terre Haute and the mouth of the river not many years 
ago. There were lengthy petitions to the Congress. Mass meetings 
adopted resolutions and vote-seeking representatives in Congress ap- 
plauded the aroused public spirit and promised to give the matter 
early and earnest consideration. Everybody was enthusiastic. 

There was a general feeling that the river North of Terre Haute 
was of Httle value except as scenery. This naturally limited the en- 
thusiasm to the South Wabash valley. The Wabash river still flows 
conveniently through Terre Haute. It is navigable, just as it was in 
the early days of the state. Apparently no one cares. The govern- 
ment has a quicker route for parcels post. Packers, manufacturers 
and merchants require speed in delivering their wares. 

Of course the effort to induce the goverment to unload a few mil- 
lions of dollars in the Wabash valley was not altogether fruitless. It 
served through the instrumentality of public meetings and general dis- 
cussion to promote civic pride in a lot of communities. During the 
time some of the river enthusiasts were trying to convince themselves 
that all the valley needed was a few millions of federal funds for dredg- 
ing and deepening the channel of the Wabash. Perhaps some of the 
most rabid really expected that federal aid would make their dreams a 
reality. So we kidded ourselves into a state of excited happiness. 
We even hippodromed a boat launching. A large river survey craft 
was built in Terre Haute. Boat building yards noted a tremenduous 
interest and promised the revival of a big industry. Scores of bare- 
footed, dirty faced boys and an occasional business man watched the 
progress in constructing the flat, raft-like hull. The business men by 
their sacrifice of time to visit the scene of river bank trash piles testi- 
fied as to their interest in the enterprise. The boys pestered the 
workmen with innumerable questions and proudly packed away 
blocks, spikes and rope ends as souvenirs. 

Terre Haute made a regular circus day celebration of the launch- 
ing. There was a big civic parade with distinguished visitors and 
leading business men in carriages, afoot and otherwise trailing to the 
jumping off place of the east bluff. When time for the big event 
arrived most of the tall weeds of the river front had been pretty well 
trampeled down. 

It was a regular boat launching. There was a decorated stand 
for the speakers where some good friends of mine referred to the 
event as the day of achievement. They spoke eloquent addresses. 
I know they will pardon me now if this recounting does not appear to 
be as serious as the hopes and promises of the day suggested. 

But there was more to that regular launching. There was an at- 
tractive girl ready to crash a bottle of Champagne (Velvet) against 
the end of_the craft. Along about this stage it is necessary to bring 



on the breathless anxiety and nervous suspense of the assemblage. 
It was all there. The young woman did her part but the bottle 
bounded along the soft earth. Unseen except by a few of those 
honored with places inside the ropes, the hero saved the day. He 
dashed down the ways, seized the bottle which was dangling at the 
end of a ribbon attached to the boat and slammed the glass container 
against the planks. 

Rivermen employed in the construction of the boat confided to me 
that the usual plan was to build the raft, they called it, close to the 
bank and then dump it in the water. Out of deference to the river im- 
provement enthusiasts of the Wabash this boat was built so there 
could be a regular launching. When the time arrived to push the 
craft into the Wabash, some huskies were ready to knock away the 
blocks and chop a heavy rope. My recollection is that the fellow who 
operated on the rope had an extremely dull axe. This probably was 
one of the incidents that flustered the sponsor so she lost control of 
the beverage container. 

I remember it all was very serious. The pent-up enthusiasm 
finally broke. The mass of lumber crunched down the incline and 
displaced several tons of mud as it entered the water, then bobbed 
about and drifted out into the stream. Later it was rescued and made 
fast to another craft used by the surveying party. 

To the crowd the day was a great event that was to mean the 
restoration of the Wabash river as a great highway of traffic. I am 
sure some in the throng really believed that. To the rivermen and 
members of the government party it must also have been a happy in- 
cident. 

I recall hearing one of the members of the dredging crew say: 
"This is a swell party. Now as soon as those poor nuts get through 
with their glad stuff we will hitch up the old scow and beat it down 
the river. This kind of palaver gives me a ache." 

I think many of us will recall the incidents. It is all very vividly 
impressed on my memory. All except the name of the boat. That 
rather escaped me in the confusion, but of course the boat could not 
have been christened without a name. I do recall hearing one of the 
surveyors or dredgers refer to the craft as * 'Number Three" but sure- 
ly that was not the official name.* 

The boat that was to be instumental in restoring navigation of the 
Wabash was towed down the river in due time and never returned. 
The river we still have with us. The boat has passed— perhaps sub- 
marined by a hidden snag. More likely abandoned when its useful- 
ness was gone and probadly it has been salvaged by some river front 
squatter for a house boat. 

*River survey barge was launched at the foot of Crawford street June 29, 1911. 
Spencer F. Ball, George M. Crane and others spoke. 

10 



The Wabash river is just as navigable now as it was one hundred 
years ago. If river transportation was practical and desired it would 
be possible for Terre Haute manufacturers to boat their product down 
the river. The fact that they do not is a matter of saving time and con- 
venience. The plea of economy does not count. While the manufac- 
turer or producer was carting his merchandise to the river and load- 
ing it on boats it could be put in freight cars and hauled to New York 
City. Before the crew of the river craft hailed the ferry-man at Mer- 
om the freight train would be delivered to the Pacific coast. 

We certainly are wasting the Wabash so far as neglecting the 
facilities for navigation are concerned. But it is just a matter of 
choice and of responding to the demands of modern day business. 

As a matter of fact the resources of the Wabash river must be 
exploited if they are not wasted. Actual wasting of the Wabash in 
Terre Haute might be limited to forgetting to shut off the garden hose. 
But the meter would remind us of the error. 

Even if we admit there is little practical reason or hope for restor- 
ing commercial navigation there is opportunity and invitation to use 
the river more extensively for pleasure craft. The day of the power 
boat is here and no stream of the country is more tempting to motor 
boat parties. Pleasure boating and associated sports and recreations 
invite use of the river that is neglected. 

But the all-year motor car weans many away from the river, so 
even power boats are neglected. It is not a matter for discussion as 
to why or wherefore. It is an actual condition. The invitation to 
pleasure and recreation is standing, but something else appears to be 
more appealing. 

The pleasure, healthy outing and comfort in summer offered by 
camps along the Wabash are being neglected. The productive forces 
of the river are not being utilized. Except as a source of water supply 
for cities the current flows on without an effort to harness the power. 
Frequently some promoter seeks to arouse interest of capital in pro- 
viding funds to establish a great power station. It all seems practical 
but probably will not be achieved until other sources of prodcction and 
power are exhausted, or at least limited. 

The matter of exploiting the Wabash river for summer recreation 
has been neglected as a matter of course. Perhaps we prefer to get 
farther from home on our vacations. That may be well for those who 
can afford to hie to the lakes and mountains. The Wabash river opens 
a field for the people who remain at home to get even greater summer 
pleasure and value than those who seek distant watering places. 

There are many reasons why the Wabash river in the immediate 
vicinity of Terre Haute is not lined with summer cottages and bathing 
beaches. The first reason is the commercial development. This has 
taken many desirable sites and the people are prone to avoid effort in 

11 



providing their own recreation places. They drift to established camps. 
The big trees and refreshing river front almost at their doors are wast- 
ed because some one has neglected to hang up a sign calling attention 
to "Sycamore Tree" of "Sandy Bar." 

Unfortunately for Terre Haute some river camp places close to the 
city have been exploited by unsavory resorts. It might be well for 
the people to take a lesson from these undesirable establishments. 
The promoters have recognized the appeal of the river that the good 
people of the city have neglected. 

But all the desirable camp sites have not been used for commercial 
establishments or unwholesome resorts. Within an hour by motor 
boat from the Wabash avenue bridge there are scores of beauty spots 
that need little more than a boat landing and tent to provide healthful 
and comfortable summer outing places. These sites invite more per- 
manent improvement and with the construction of substantial cottages 
or bungalows and even club houses the possibilities for outing pleasure 
are enhanced. 

Terre Haute appeared to be awakening last summer to its neglect 
of the Wabash. Large boating parties became popular. Picnic parties 
sought added pleasure of a trip on the river to one of the beauty spots. 
More than ever before did the water appeal as an important feature of 
large outings. And the people learned that the Wabash river affords 
more attractive bathing beaches than half the lakes of Northern states. 
Then the river offers to the youth the atmosphere of "The Old Swim- 
ming Hole." 

Organizations that look to summer outings caught the spirit last 
summer and the Wabash apparently returned to its own. Grounds of 
private clubs were opened for many large river parties. Just for proof 
of the appeal of the river it might be well to note that many of the 
outings also provided for conveyance by motor car to those who were 
unable to arrange their time to take the boat. The most of the people 
reported for the river trip. And they all were happy to escape dusty 
country roads. 

Of course the convenience and availability of the motor car appeal 
to many but there is something about the water that is restful far be- 
yond anything offered on the land highways. 

The further development of the large club cottages, houses and 
pleasure grounds along the Wabash will in time attract individual and 
family camps. Then we will realize how we have wasted the Wabash 
in the pleasure it offers. 

With little prospect of the development of freight navigation and 
the harnessing of the power in the current a dream of the distant 
future, it appears that the best opportunity is to utilize the river for 
our recreation. The Chamber of Commerce, Civic League and other 
bodies that look to the welfare of Terre Haute could do nothing better 

12 



than assist residents to locate agreeable summer camp sites. Frater- 
nal orders should be encouraged to provide outing grounds. Social 
organizations could well transfer summer activities and gatherings to 
the shade of the big trees where there is a refreshing breeze from the 
broad river. In many cases the suggestion will be welcomed as a 
means of relief from city noise and summer discomfort. Anyway, it 
is worth undertaking, because we owe the river a lot of boosting. 

Terre Haute has been backward in taking its river recreation. 
The reason may be explained in the anxiety of the citizens to get 
away from noise and business and to escape formality. We get the 
back-to-nature hunch along about the time cherries are ripe, but we 
have not taken the trouble to look into the possibilities of the Wabash. 
Within ten miles of the city one may lose himself, apparently, from 
all the serious problems of life except living— and that living may be 
to the tune of nature's most inspiring music. 

There may be a suggestion from other cities along the Wabash to 
people of Terre Haute. During the last few years the Wabash river 
front from Lafayette more than ten miles north to the junction of the 
Tippecanoe and the Wabash rivers has been developed into a great 
summer camp. 

The river front in the vicinity of Terre Haute provides better 
water, more big trees, more attractive views, better bathing places, 
and the same wholesome, refreshing atmosphere. And of course 
there are fish for the taking. The extensive improvements of the 
site of Fort Harrison and the permanent establishment of the Apple 
Club may turn the tide to the sadly neglected Wabash. 

The City of Terre Haute owes it to the youngsters to provide a 
protected bathing beach. Boys, and girls too, insist on a chance to 
swim. This desire has brought an occasional river tragedy that 
might have been averted through the provision of a protected or mu- 
nicipal bathing beach. Of course bathing beaches at fashionable or 
exploided summer resorts are not without their tragedies. But there 
are no sharks in the Wabash, and the danger of drowning would be 
reduced to a minimum. 

If such provision is not made by the city or through some of the 
pubHc spirited organizations, it will be but a few years until the bath- 
ing facilities of the Wabash are exploited by private enterprise. But 
even that would be better than the present status of neglecting the 
opportunities presented by the best little river at our door. 

The revival of attention to the Wabash as a pleasure resort al- 
ready has tempted scores to the Second sand bar. Perhaps some day 
this may be connected with the city by an improved drive and pro- 
vided attractive conveniences. It might even become known as 
Taylor Beach, in honor of the former President of the United States, 
who, in his early military career, commanded the defenders of Fort 

13 



Harrison. Then we might perpetuate other honored names of early- 
settlers and heroes of the pioneer days, in establishing camps and 
recreation grounds. Such development along the river would mean 
in time, a river front drive that also could be given an appropriate 
name.* 

With the establishment of clean and wholesome camps, family 
cottages, tent grounds for Boy Scouts, Campfire Girls and other or- 
ganizations the unsavory resorts will pass. The troublesome "Blind 
Tigers" cannot exist if the attractive places along the river are used 
for family and society recreation. The problem that causes worry to 
authorities will be solved in the natural social rehabilitation of the 
river front. 

We will continue to waste a lot of the Wabash. There is so much 
of it and it is so close and common that it is not appreciated. But it 
is not to be presumed that the river that figured so prominently in 
making possible the civilization of the Northwest Territory will be al- 
together neglected. 

The Wabash will remain. The stage will continue to be influenced 
by varying rainfalls of the passing seasons. New levees will be con- 
structed to insure development of fertile valleys. More bridges will 
bring together the residents of cities and rural communities. Fisher- 
men will row their boats to fruitful bends. Cities will be watered and 
great manufacturing plants will line the banks. Sometime when we 
are far from home we may feel as Paul Dresser did even if we are 
not endowed to pay such tribute as did the song writer. 

The river is the biggest asset Terre Haute has because it embodies 
the tradition, history, utility and pleasure of the people of the valley. 
And we are neglecting it even though we frequently are reminded 
that "The moonlight's fair tonight along the Wabash." 

*Battle of Fort Harrison Sept. 3-4, 1812. 




14 



HENRY FAIRBANKS MEMORIAL PARK 



^WO weeks following the reading of Mr. Jewett's paper before the 
^ Terre Haute Literary Club the first riverside park became a re- 
ality through the gift to the city of Messrs Crawford and Edward 
P. Fairbanks. And it is to bear the name of one Terre Haute is proud 
to honor. 

The Henry Fairbanks Memorial Park comprises a tract of about 
twenty-four acres extending from First street to the Wabash river 
between Oak street and College avenue. The park was given as a 
memorial to the father of the doners, who was mayor of Terre Haute 
in 1878, and who died while in office. 

The gift was announced in a communication from Messrs Craw- 
ford and Eward P. Fairbanks to the City Council December 4, 1916. 
The tract was officially accepted for the city by the Board of Park 
Commissioners Decemper 6, 1916. This board immediately took steps 
to provide for the permanent and appropriate improvement of the 
park. 

The Henry Fairbanks Memorial Park includes the site of the 
River Survey boat launching of June 29, 1911. 



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